(Weak successors of Aurangzeb,Court politics and factionalism,Foreign invasions: Nadir Shah (1739), Ahmad Shah Abdali,Rise of successor states: Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad,Rise of independent powers: Marathas, Sikhs, Jats,Administrative and military weaknesses)
| The decline of central authority during the Mughal Empire’s final years laid the stage for the rise of regional authorities. This change, which mostly took place in the 18th century, profoundly altered India’s political climate and is a key topic in UPSC study for both the preliminary and main exams. |
I. After Aurangzeb: The Burden of Weak Successors
Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 marked the beginning of the empire’s fragmentation. His successors lacked both strategic vision and administrative competence. Emperors such as Bahadur Shah I and Muhammad Shah failed to uphold the vast empire that Aurangzeb had strained to maintain.
- Diluted Imperial Command: Successive rulers struggled to assert control, leading to weakening ties with the provinces.
- Dependence on Nobility: Power drifted into the hands of ambitious nobles, who often acted independently.
- Lack of Political Will: The central authority gradually turned into a ceremonial role, unable to stem the tide of disintegration.
II. Court Intrigues and Noble Rivalries
The imperial court, once the nucleus of Mughal governance, turned into a battlefield for factional power plays.
- Rise of Court Cliques: Groups like the Sayyid Brothers influenced imperial succession and policies, often placing pliable rulers on the throne.
- Frequent Power Struggles: The empire became vulnerable to conspiracies and rapid changes in leadership.
- Loss of Administrative Focus: Resources were increasingly diverted from governance to internal feuds.
This factionalism corroded the core of Mughal administration and created power vacuums across the empire.
III. Devastating Foreign Invasions
Two major invasions in the 18th century inflicted severe blows to the Mughal Empire’s prestige and resources.
- Nadir Shah’s Invasion (1739): The Persian ruler marched into Delhi, looted immense wealth, and massacred thousands, signaling to the world the vulnerability of the empire.
- Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Raids: Between 1748 and 1767, the Afghan invader launched multiple attacks, including the catastrophic Third Battle of Panipat, draining the subcontinent’s economic and military strength.
These invasions not only plundered material wealth but also further destabilized an already fragile empire.
IV. Structural Fault Lines: Administration and Military Breakdown
The decay of the administrative and military apparatus hastened the empire’s collapse.
- Revenue Crisis: The jagirdari system, once the backbone of Mughal revenue administration, was mismanaged and riddled with corruption.
- Outdated Military Machinery: Mughal forces lagged behind technologically and tactically, especially compared to rising regional and European powers.
- Neglect of Naval Development: Failure to maintain a naval presence left the empire vulnerable to maritime incursions and trade disruptions.
This systemic breakdown made it increasingly difficult to project power or maintain order across the empire.
V. Birth of Successor States: Formal Allegiance, Functional Autonomy
In the aftermath of central collapse, several provinces evolved into nearly independent states, though they maintained symbolic loyalty to the Mughal throne.
- Awadh: Established under Saadat Khan, this state exercised de facto independence while fostering economic and administrative reforms.
- Bengal: Murshid Quli Khan transformed Bengal into a prosperous and stable region, with a well-structured bureaucracy.
- Hyderabad: Founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk, this state retained Mughal traditions while operating autonomously in the Deccan.
These successor states reflected a shift from imperial governance to localized yet efficient rule.
VI. Rise of Independent Powers: Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats
As the Mughal center weakened, new power blocs emerged that no longer acknowledged even nominal Mughal authority.
- Marathas: Under dynamic leaders like Peshwa Baji Rao I, they expanded across central India and beyond, aiming to fill the vacuum left by the Mughals.
- Sikhs: Originating as a socio-religious movement, the Sikh Confederacy grew into a formidable military force, asserting control over Punjab.
- Jats: Known for their agrarian roots, the Jats established a stronghold in regions like Bharatpur, asserting their political autonomy.
These groups reshaped regional dynamics, challenging the Mughal legacy and laying the groundwork for future state formations.
Conclusion
The decline of the Mughal Empire was a complex interplay of weak leadership, internal discord, external aggression, and systemic decay. While the empire crumbled, it gave rise to a mosaic of regional powers that would later become pivotal in India’s colonial and post-colonial narratives.
| For UPSC aspirants, this transition from a centralized imperial structure to a decentralized political order is essential for understanding the broader themes of Indian history, including colonial intervention, resistance movements, and state formation. |
MCQ
1. Which of the following Mughal rulers is considered the last effective emperor of the dynasty?
A) Bahadur Shah I
B) Aurangzeb
C) Muhammad Shah
D) Shah Alam II
Correct Answer: B) Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal ruler who extended the empire to its largest territorial extent. After his death in 1707, the empire began to fragment.
2. The Sayyid Brothers were influential during the reign of which Mughal emperor?
A) Shah Alam II
B) Farrukhsiyar
C) Ahmad Shah
D) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Correct Answer: B) Farrukhsiyar
Explanation: The Sayyid Brothers played kingmakers and installed Farrukhsiyar on the throne in 1713. They exercised real power during his reign.
3. What was the primary impact of Nadir Shah’s invasion of India in 1739?
A) Strengthening of the Mughal army
B) Capture of Bengal
C) Plunder of Delhi and weakening of Mughal prestige
D) Establishment of British dominance
Correct Answer: C) Plunder of Delhi and weakening of Mughal prestige
Explanation: Nadir Shah looted Delhi and took immense wealth, including the Peacock Throne, drastically lowering the Mughal Empire’s prestige.
4. The Battle of Panipat in 1761 was fought between which two powers?
A) Mughals and Marathas
B) Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali
C) British and Marathas
D) Mughals and British
Correct Answer: B) Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali
Explanation: The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Afghan forces, marking a decisive blow to Maratha expansion.
5. Who was the founder of the autonomous state of Awadh?
A) Murshid Quli Khan
B) Nizam-ul-Mulk
C) Saadat Khan
D) Shuja-ud-Daula
Correct Answer: C) Saadat Khan
Explanation: Saadat Khan was appointed as the Nawab of Awadh in 1722 and laid the foundation of its autonomy.
6. The jagirdari crisis under the later Mughals refers to:
A) Introduction of land grants to peasants
B) Inability to pay European mercenaries
C) Shortage and mismanagement of revenue assignments
D) Over-reliance on trade revenues
Correct Answer: C) Shortage and mismanagement of revenue assignments
Explanation: The jagirdari system failed due to corruption and lack of accountability, leading to a fiscal crisis and administrative breakdown.
7. Which of the following regional powers maintained symbolic allegiance to the Mughal throne but functioned independently?
- Awadh
- Bengal
- Hyderabad
- Marathas
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad retained nominal allegiance to the Mughals while operating independently. The Marathas denied even symbolic authority.
8. The rise of which group in Punjab can be traced to a socio-religious reform movement?
A) Marathas
B) Jats
C) Sikhs
D) Rohillas
Correct Answer: C) Sikhs
Explanation: The Sikh community, originally a socio-religious group founded by Guru Nanak, evolved into a political and military power during the 18th century.
9. The Nizam of Hyderabad initially served under which Mughal emperor before establishing autonomy?
A) Aurangzeb
B) Bahadur Shah I
C) Muhammad Shah
D) Shah Jahan
Correct Answer: C) Muhammad Shah
Explanation: Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah was appointed as viceroy of the Deccan under Muhammad Shah and later established independent rule in Hyderabad.
10. Which of the following was NOT a consequence of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s repeated invasions?
A) Depletion of Mughal treasury
B) Strengthening of central authority
C) Disruption of northern Indian economy
D) Rise of regional military responses
Correct Answer: B) Strengthening of central authority
Explanation: Abdali’s invasions weakened Mughal authority and drained resources, further fragmenting the political landscape.
11. What role did court factions play in the Mughal decline?
A) Improved military reforms
B) Ensured stable succession
C) Led to internal instability and weakened governance
D) Promoted trade and commerce
Correct Answer: C) Led to internal instability and weakened governance
Explanation: Court intrigues and factionalism created instability and diverted focus from governance.
12. Which regional power rose in central India and challenged Mughal authority post-Aurangzeb?
A) Jats
B) Rajputs
C) Marathas
D) Rohillas
Correct Answer: C) Marathas
Explanation: The Marathas filled the power vacuum in central India and expanded rapidly after Aurangzeb’s death.
13. The Jats primarily established political dominance in which area during the 18th century?
A) Malwa
B) Doab
C) Bengal
D) Bharatpur
Correct Answer: D) Bharatpur
Explanation: The Jats carved out a strong principality in Bharatpur and its surrounding regions.
14. Which of the following statements best reflects the status of Bengal under Murshid Quli Khan?
A) Continued Mughal financial control
B) Direct rule by British authorities
C) Economically autonomous with effective administration
D) Frequent peasant rebellions and instability
Correct Answer: C) Economically autonomous with effective administration
Explanation: Bengal under Murshid Quli Khan functioned autonomously with an efficient revenue system and relative stability.
15. Which military limitation significantly contributed to Mughal decline in the 18th century?
A) Overreliance on elephants
B) Absence of European alliances
C) Technological stagnation and outdated tactics
D) Shift to naval warfare
Correct Answer: C) Technological stagnation and outdated tactics
Explanation: Mughal forces did not modernize and lagged behind both regional powers and European forces in military innovations.
